The evening following this glorious day, I happened to tell a local resident of Hawaii that we'd "kayaked to the Mokulua Islands" that morning. This person looked at me blankly and asked "you did what?" Knowing that this was a pretty popular activity in Kailua, I was confused but later realized I wasn't using the correct terms. I should have said that we "paddled" to the "Moks".

After getting an all too thorough review of how the clip a life vest, we were finally released from the rental company with two lovely tandem kayaks tied atop the Strawser minivan. We pulled up to the gorgeous Lanikai beach, unloaded, topped off with some additional sunscreen for all and started off on our journey to the beautiful twin islands that look like small green covered volcanos dropped a mile off shore. In addition to the four adults, we also had little 3 year old Kyriella with us. I, personally, found it hard to focus on my paddling with her adorable dimpled and smiling face waving at me from Eun and Steve's boat shouting "Hi, Auntie Jill!" Jonathan had to redirect me more than once.

There is a continuous wave that makes it's way around the island, which is great for surfing but terrible for landing on shore Ina small craft. But, we made it with Steve's help and pulled up our boats on shore. You can hike around the island on specific paths so as to avoid the natural bird sanctuary that I so this particular island. The entire island is basically volcanic rock so shoes are important. Our destination was a famous pool that has been naturally carved out over time. It is probably 5 feet deep and is a lovely long oval. It is named The Queen's Bath and it's become a tradition to take a couple's photo in this salty tub. This trick is getting in and out as it's surrounded by high rock and lots of hidden sea urchins. But we did it with only minor scrapes and a great photo to prove it.

After a nice nap back on the warm beach for some of us, while Jonathan played with Kyriella by the surf, we got back in our kayaks and started the journey back to the Oahu shore. Oh but wait! Just off the Moks, we came upon not one but TWO beautiful sea turtles!! Right then, this officially became my favorite day so far (actually I've said that almost every day). The sea turtles, or "Honu" in Hawaiian, are so magical to me! I don't know how something resembling an alien head with a hard shell on its back and giant hands and feet can be so graceful and beautiful to me but they are. They swim up to the surface and appear to be smooth rocks until the heads pop up for air and they drift below the surface again and eventually drift out of site, making you wonder if you actually saw them or just imagined it.

Hawaii is such an amazing opportunity to use your body and strength to access and appreciate the miracles and exquisite moments in nature. Getting fit in such a beautiful place with such dear and beautiful friends is a gift like none other. I'm so grateful that we are able to be here.

Hopebench